Monrovia—Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson has expressed a strained relationship with President Joseph Boakai amidst discussions for the establishment of the War and Economy Crimes Court in Liberia.

Report by J. H. Webster Clayeh, webster.clayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Speaking on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, during a live interview on Truth FM, Senator Johnson revealed that there has been no communication between him and the Liberian leader since President Boakai met with Allan White, a war crime court advocate.

“Mr. Boakai has even refused to pick up my phone because of his connection with the Allan White group, as he feels that I am a war criminal. But we are watching. They want to do something clandestine against us, and we are not going to accept that,” Senator Johnson said.

He added, “My people in Nimba County were killed in cold blood, and we fought in defense. We gave you votes, and you want to go after us? We are not going to accept that. My people in Nimba are listening to you, and you think they are going to sit here and turn me over to you to give me false charges on things that I never did before?”

According to the Nimba County Senator, an amnesty was signed in Accra, Ghana, and put into law by the Legislature, granting warlords immunity from prosecution.

“I want to tell all Liberians – they should pray for our continued peace, which we have enjoyed for 20 plus years due to the amnesty law that was passed and printed into handbill. The Accra Peace Accord was guaranteed by this amnesty law,” he said.

Senator Johnson added, “But if the time has come for President Joseph Boakai and his team to remove or tamper with the amnesty law, then he is tampering with the people’s future.”

When asked whether he is scared about the establishment of the war crimes court, he responded, “It doesn’t scare me; it worries me because it may disrupt our peace. And if there is a reason for disruption, it will be difficult to end because those men that went to Accra, Ghana, I was not there. I only fought for nine months, and I have every document available to show you that the TRC is a bogus document.”

“Mr. Boakai has even refused to pick up my phone because of his connection with the Allan White group, as he feels that I am a war criminal. But we are watching. They want to do something clandestine against us, and we are not going to accept that.”

Senator Prince Y. Johnson

Ex-General Having Consultative Meeting

Still speaking, Senator Johnson said that although his name is always mentioned whenever the topic of the war crimes court is discussed, there are other ex-fighters who are having meetings to reject such calls.

“Although people mention me every time, there are other generals, other majors, and other officers who protected and worked alongside their commanders. They are holding consultative meetings now as I speak with you,” he said.

The Nimba County Senator added, “Since Allan White came, since that video was circulated, consultative meetings have been going on. And if you are not afraid of disruption and you want to tamper with the peace of the nation by removing the amnesty law, I can tell you for a fact that those guys are still alive in the interior, engaging in their gold business, their diamond business. They will not sit down there for you to go after them.”

He continued, “True, true, true, Nimba County has more generals, more officers, more combatants because it was their county that was declared an enemy of the state by the previous regime. You have more combatants who liberated not only Nimba County but the whole of Liberia. So if you want to go after their leader, who is getting old, for giving you the victory in the just-ended election and you feel proud to do that because they have raised US$300 million, some of which they have given to people underground to sign resolutions, why do you sign resolutions when there is an amnesty law passed by the Legislature?”

“My people in Nimba County were killed in cold blood, and we fought in defense. We gave you votes, and you want to go after us? We are not going to accept that. My people in Nimba are listening to you, and you think they are going to sit here and turn me over to you to give me false charges on things that I never did before?”

Senator Prince Y. Johnson

Senator Johnson further stated that he supports the Boakai regime 100 percent despite his decision to establish the war and economy crimes court in Liberia.

“I support the regime whether he gives us more jobs or not. He signed a resolution to support war crimes. We will simply reciprocate to live at peace with ourselves. We cannot support you at the age of 79, and you are bringing people having secret meetings with people to try to impose something on Liberia,” he said.

Senator Johnson added, “My name is everywhere, but there are other people who are listening, and they know that you are going to go after them. Like the economy crime court, you are going to go after George Weah, Madam Sirleaf; you will go after those countries that provided the training ground like Guinea and others. There is going to be total chaos.”

MONROVIA – Defeated Nimba County Senatorial candidate in the October 10 presidential and legislative elections Lawrenso Paye Korquoi has endorsed the re-election of President George Manneh Weah, with a call on citizens of the county not to allow themselves to be used by failed politicians using wartime glory to reap political benefits at their detriment.

Mr. Korquo accumulated about 6,000 votes in the just ended elections.

According to him, the decision taken to endorse President Weah was triggered after the holding of consultations and engagements with his supporters and others in the county.

He made these assertions in an endorsement statement issued in Monrovia on Tuesday, November 8.

He emphasized that Nimba County is not a political party belonging to a specific group of people, and as such, citizens should prevent move being made by others, including Senator Johnson, to sing praises of falsehood to satisfy their personal motives.

Mr. Korquoi maintained that Nimba, which is the second largest county of Liberia in terms of population, should not be used against the rest of the counties in Liberia.

This, he added, led to the deaths of thousands of citizens hailing from the county during the Liberian civil war in 1990.

According to him, Senator Johnson and few others are the ones that are currently benefiting from the situation.

He stressed that the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led-government’s developments remain visible in Nimba, something which clearly justifies the retaining of the Liberian Chief Executive.

Mr. Korquoi claimed that Senators Prince Johnson and Jeremiah Koung, who is also the Vice Standard Bearer of the opposition Unity Party, are allegedly preaching tribalistic messages in the county, adding that, eligible voters in Nimba should not vote the UP during the runoff.

 “Senator Johnson is on record for saying, “No Mano man will be a Senator in Nimba as long he is alive. He further described to Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe to the people in Gbor as a man who hates the Gio people, and this was a way of creating tribalistic destructive politics.”

But both Johnson and Koung have consistently denied preaching hate messages in the county.

He claimed that citizens of Nimba from the Mano tribe will be severely marginalized and denied from holding public offices if Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai wins the presidency.

“You can look around you there are many changes in our beautiful land of liberty.”

He, however, vowed to have a voice in the next government to ensure sustainable development in Nimba for the benefit of all, instead of a selective few.

“We have come to you today to give you direction in terms of the presidential run-off elections stated for November 14, 2023. I have received many calls across Nimba on where we go for the presidential elections; and I know most of you still waiting on me for the decision I will make.”

Mr. Korquoi, however, pointed out that his endorsement of President Weah is based on what he called “clear practical developmental agenda, value for human development, hope, and betterment for the future of towns, clans, districts, county, and Liberia at-large.”

He maintained that his endorsement was driven to the CDC because, President George Weah’s vision aligns with his vision for a New Nimba that would provide equal opportunities for all, including empowerment for the young people and women.

“We have been having consultations, doing background investigation and proper checking that will guide us in the decision we make on who becomes the next president of Liberia comes November 14, 2023. Henceforth, TODAY, I, LAWRENSO PAYE KORQUOI, former senatorial candidate and a prominent son of Nimba stand before you with your support and with God by our side to pledge and endorse President George Manneh Weah re-election for president comes November 14, 2023.”

“In this manner, I am calling on all of you (supporters, friends, families and citizens) to join me to support President George Weah re-election.”

He used this medium to also commend his supporters for the trust and confidence reposed in him, despite being unsuccessful during the process.

“We were in the election to win but unfortunately, we did not win. However, we did our best through your support as we obtained about 6000 votes in the elections, wherein district 2 gave us the highest votes across the districts in Nimba. So, today we are back to say a very big congratulations and thank you all for trusting and believing in our vision for a New Nimba to represent you at the Liberian Senate.”

“I strongly believe that this was not our time, however, our vision remains alive as we will remain committed to contributing our quota to this county and specifically Gboah Clan and District #2. But do not feel discourage 2029 will be our time because we will come out stronger than we did in 2023.”

MONROVIA — Liberia’s quest to conduct credible and peaceful elections in October this year is being overshadowed by early violence and threats of insecurity partly being caused by supporters of politicians in most parts of the country.

By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com & Franklin Doloquee 

Attacks during recent political rallies in Monsterado and Nimba Counties have increased in recent times. Just last month, the ear of a partisan of the Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) was cut- off by those suspected to be partisans of the former ruling Unity Party over charges of intruding into a crowd of partisans of the ruling party during a campaign rally in Monsterado County.

On Monday, August 21, 2023, Mr. Aloysius G. Bahn, believed to be a member of the Coalition of Democratic Change, was reportedly stabbed by two Mr. Baccus Sayeh, cousin of Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice Standard Bearer of the Unity Party in Vayenglay Town, Soe Chiefdom, Twah River Administrative District, Nimba County, over “simple political argument” and was later pronounced dead after two days spent at the G. W. Harley Hospital. 

Both rival groups linked to the ruling CDC and the opposition Unity Party have, however, rebuffed claims of instigating violence that led to the death of Bahn. 

Nimba County’s Senator, Prince Johnson, also a supporter of Unity Party, posted to Facebook page to register his outrage at Monday’s incidence when he wrote to his Facebook page, saying:  “In the town of Gbor-Wheiplay, situated in District 4, Nimba County, I experienced an attack orchestrated by the  representative of that district,  Hon Gunpue L Kargon  He is no longer the choice of the people due to his selfish representation, disobedient and disrespectful behavior towards the the people he represents.”

“I’m the one who helped him achieve his current position. Hon. Gunpue has received over 2 million dollars from the CDC government, which has failed to fulfill its promises to the Liberian people, including the payment of Nimba County’s land rental fees amounting to 9 million United States Dollars,” he added.

“This incident occurred during my campaign activities in that Nimba County region, a place I hold dear in my heart. The attacks transpired when our campaign team visited a town named Sole Vayanglay. Here, CDC supporters, led by the head of the Good Governance Commission and former representative of District #4, Hon. Garrason D. Yealu (my own son, whom I propelled into Liberian politics), engaged in a clash with supporters of Rescue 2 and Unity Party Vice Standard Bearer, Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung  Unfortunately, this clash resulted in the tragic death of a young man aged between 22 and 25 years upon his arrival at the hospital.”

Sen. Johnson said the situation escalated to such an extent that they were unable to find rest in Vayanglay Town that night. “This was primarily due to the aggressive behavior exhibited by the CDC supporters, who fatally injured the young man by pelting him with rocks aimed at his abdomen,” he said.

“As a devoted man of God and a senior senator representing the cherished people of Nimba County, my utmost priority is to maintain peace. My deep affection for my constituents compels me to avoid any form of conflict or violence.”

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Doldeh Movement in Nimba County and sympathizers across Liberia has strongly described the brutal stabbing Bahn as a callous act of insanity calculated and perpetrated by monstrous elements of nature who have no heart, conscience and sense of reasoning. 

In a statement issued in Monrovia and Nimba County simultaneously on August 23, 2023, the Chairperson of the Movement expressed absolute dismay and frustration at the inhumane monstrosity with which the killers of Bahn viciously ended his life. 

The statement is quoted as saying that Atty. Garrison D. Yealue and his family are terribly troubled by this unfortunate situation and have thus instructed the entire membership of the Doldeh Movement to stand in solidarity with the bereaved family, whilst the killers are being frantically pursued to answer for their crime.  

The Movement added that Atty. Yealue has promised to do all within his means and power to ensure that all those responsible for the perpetration of this gruesome act of barbarity meted out against a peaceful member of his Movement are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law. 

The Doldeh Movement has also called on the family of Mr. Bahn to remain calm and peaceful, while the issue is being looked into. The Movement notes that the exercise of calmness in a matter like this where a loving member of a family is killed out of stupidity can be a grievous situation to handle, but called on the family to remain put and stable, as the matter is being drastically pursued. 

Meanwhile, the Movement is calling on the Liberia National Police to vigorously launch a manhunt for the killers of Mr. Bahn, so that they are made to answer for their crime. “We also call on all well-meaning Nimbians to rally forces, join efforts and build grassroots surveillance, especially along the border lines between Liberia and Cote dIvoire, with the purpose of instituting citizens arrest for the suspects who are cowardly running into hiding.”

The Doldeh Movement is made to believe that the recent inciting statement made by leaders of the Unity Party, especially former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, may have prompted the actions of their followers. It is quite unfortunate that the former ruling Unity Party and its Standard Bearer who claim to be peaceful and law abiding, would now provoke their followers into stabbing peaceful citizens on accounts of mere political disagreements. 

The Movement ended that whilst the quest for political power is ongoing, the Unity Party and their followers must note that no amount of blood sharing can compensate for their election to political offices in Liberia. We therefore call on former Vice President Boakai and his followers to campaign on the merits of the issues and stop inflicting harm and destruction on the very people they claim their quest is intended to rescue. 

Liberians are worried about the current political insecurity in the country. “My family members and I will stay off from these elections if this violence persists. It is frightening now,” says Fred Reeves, a resident of Gbarnga. 

MONROVIA – In the face of a troubling lack of political resolve to bring to justice those responsible for the grievous atrocities of the civil war, the Liberian Legislature persists in being perceived as a safe haven for these warlords. These individuals audaciously seek citizens’ endorsement for legislative seats, cloaking their past transgressions as acts of protection for their people against enemies.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

One such warlord seeking citizens’ reward for his kills is Roland Duo. Duo was a senior frontline commander of jailed ex-president Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL).

The final report of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission indicts him for murder, torture, and abduction.

A Central Figure of Violence

Roland Duo’s actions, as described in the final report of the TRC, portray him as a central figure in a range of violent and abusive activities during the Liberian civil war. His involvement spans forced displacement, extrajudicial killings, intimidation, looting, and destruction of property. These actions collectively depict a troubling picture of his role in the conflict and its devastating impact on the population.

At Mahir Bridge in Bomi County, Roland Duo, along with Benjamin Yeatin, is implicated in a disturbing incident where hundreds of individuals were loaded onto pickup trucks with the promise of transportation to Monrovia. Instead, they were dumped into a river under the accusation of being supporters of the LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy) rebel group.

Roland Duo, commanding NPFL fighters, engaged in looting and extorting logging companies, such as Carlton Resources (CR) owned by John Gbedez. In 1996-1997, Duo’s forces unlawfully detained a CR employee and seized company property, demanding a significant sum of money.

On June 9, 2003, under the leadership of General Roland Duo, a tragic event unfolded at Stockton Creek Bridge in Monrovia. Charles Taylor, Jr., reportedly perpetrated the murder of eighteen prisoners of war (POWs). These POWs had been arrested by Duo’s forces, suggesting his complicity in the incident.

Between October 11-26, 2003, another harrowing incident occurred along the Po-River on the Tubmanburg highway. Under the orders of General Wasue Donzo from the LURD, over 26 individuals were executed, with some bodies dumped into the Po River. Local accounts attributed the dumping of bodies to Marine Chief of Staff Roland Duo. The discovery of nineteen mass graves in Lofa County further implicates Duo in this disturbing event.

“Reward Me, Too”

On Sunday, August 13, 2023, Roland G. Duo addressed a gathering in Nimba, emphasizing the sacrifice he made for the County by partaking in the war and his aspiration for the Senatorial position. He highlighted the contrasting instances of Senator Prince Johnson’s 9-month participation in the war, which resulted in his double election to the Liberian Senate by the people of Nimba, stressing that he deserves similar recognition for his own efforts made for the county during the war.

Drawing a pointed contrast, Duo pointed out that during the same period when he and others were on the front lines of the war, Senator Prince Johnson was reportedly enjoying relative safety in a hotel in Nigeria.

“This old man fought for nine months, and y’all gave him 18 years in the Liberian Senate. How many of you people here don’t know that Roland Duo fought for 14 years in this country? How many of you people don’t know that when they said Gbarnga was captured, it was Roland Duo? When this Senior Senator [Prince Johnson] was enjoying himself in a big hotel in Nigeria, when they staged the war and left it, they went and started enjoying themselves, we were here trying to stand in front of the enemy for Nimba to survive.

“My people, I’m begging y’all, if y’all can give Adolphus Dolo his term [in the Senate], y’all gave Senator Johnson 18 years for the nine-month war that he fought, Roland Duo that fought for y’all for 14 years, y’all please give me a chance too.”

Duo went on to tell his supporters and the people of Nimba that he enjoys the confidence of President Weah; therefore, there will be a lot of development in the county if he is elected as Senator.

Reactions

Mr. Hassan Bility, the Executive Director of the Global Justice Research Project (GJRP), lamented Duo’s campaign message. He said Liberia has been betrayed by all of its politicians, irrespective of which side they are on.

“Liberia has been betrayed by all of its politicians, irrespective of which side they’re on. It looks like the contaminated renegades of the old political order, whose bags of exhausted and unmarketable political tricks are succeeding,” he said.

Bility called on the people of Liberia, specifically the electorate, to reject all warlords and their associates in the forthcoming October general and presidential elections.

“The failure of the Liberian Legislature to take any form of action aimed at implementing the TRC’s recommendations is a total disgrace for the respective constituencies they represent and the oldest republic in Africa. Political office seekers are shying away from addressing this crucial issue of justice. How can one plan to prosecute a thief but allow a mass murderer to go free and reward said person? This is totally abhorrent,” he said.

He called on the international community, especially the US, to widen its sanctions horizon to include all warlords and their political promoters.

Bility further added, “This is ridiculously outrageous and is a total disrespect for the hundreds of thousands of innocent lives that were unjustifiably short-circuited by these murderers. I can assure you that additional US sanctions are coming soon. War criminals should NOT be rewarded; they should be punished.”

Also reacting to Duo, Adama Dempster, Secretary-General of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, lamented that the country’s failure to prosecute warlords and former rebel generals to account for their atrocities committed during the war has led them to see the Legislature and other government offices as a safe haven.

Eddie Jarwolo, the Executive Director of Naymote, expressed that the war, a tragic and destructive period in the nation’s history, should not serve as a source of pride for anyone seeking to leverage their wartime actions for political gain. Rather than focusing on such divisive and potentially harmful narratives, Jarwolo emphasized the importance of directing attention toward discussions of reconciliation and the pursuit of justice.

“The war killed and destroyed the fabric of the nation; nobody should be proud of using his/her actions in the war as a campaign matter. We should be holding conversations on reconciliation or creating a war crime court to bring closure to those who got killed during the war. Our election should be more about issues that will improve the quality of life, fight against the mismanagement of state resources, and improve access to justice, human rights, and accountability of elected officials. What are the issues they want to address when elected and how?”

Shying Away from War Crimes Court

The call for the establishment of a war crimes court has always been a controversial issue. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and even her successor, President George Weah, ignored calls by citizens, local and international advocates to implement the recommendation of the TRC that a court try the worst perpetrators of Liberia’s civil wars which left an estimated 250,000 people dead.

Before assuming the Presidency, President Weah had made a commitment to establish the court. However, he later reversed his stance, seemingly as a concession to Senator Prince Y. Johnson, who played a significant role in ensuring his success in the 2017 elections.

Senator Johnson hails from Nimba, the second most populous county in Liberia. Johnson, infamously known for killing former President Samuel Doe, prides himself as the godfather of Nimba County.

Former Vice President Joseph Boakai has also toned down his call for the establishment of the court as he now enjoys the confidence of Sen. Johnson, who broke ranks with Pres. Weah to support Boakai’s presidential bid in the upcoming elections. Boakai’s picked his vice standard bearer, Sen. Jeremiah Koung, from Sen. Johnson’s Movement for Democratic Reconstruction.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with New Narratives/FrontPageAfrica, the standard-bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), Alexander Cummings, said Liberia’s fear of confronting the difficult past, which has led to present-day fragility, has only ensured that the country remains a fragile society.

“The War and Economic Crimes Court will deepen and accelerate the processes of national reconciliation and healing, strengthen the bonds of a divided nation through justice, and bring much-needed closure to years of wars and tenuous peace,” Cummings opined.

Also, Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, the flag bearer of the Liberia People Party, also opined that the time for a court is long overdue, and he expects the new representatives that join the next Legislature will be more open to passing a bill to establish a court.

“We anticipate a speedy national, and especially, international mobilization, as well as the commitment of the needed resources to establish the court and support the judicial reform process that is required,” he says. “Our hope is that support for the establishment of the WECC can be provided early so that the process is concluded early. This will be crucial and helpful.”

Gongloe said as part of a series of plans for the court, he will set up a small committee of Liberian legal experts to relook at a bill the Liberian National Bar Association under his leadership as president and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) submitted to the Legislature in 2021.

Paynesville City – Senator Prince Y. Johnson, known for his controversy and robust utterances, Sunday said it is saddening that Liberia, a Christian dominant country, is still looking at his past about two decades since the country’s civil war ended.

By Jaheim T. Tumu- jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com

A former rebel leader played a prominent role in the First Liberian Civil War. Serving as leader of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia, he captured, tortured and executed President Samuel Doe, who had himself overthrown and murdered the previous president William R. Tolbert Jr.

In recent weeks, the Nimba Senator and President George Weah have been enmeshed in a war-of-word after he publicly announced he won’t support the president’s second term bid ahead of the October presidential and legislative elections.

On last Sunday, President Weah took to the pulpit to preach to his congregation at his Forky Kloh Jlaleh Church, where he gave a direct political response to MDR and its founder, stating that he is not a murderer and in no way planning to kill anyone.

According to President Weah, if anyone should be accused of being a murderer, then it should be Senator Johnson, judging from his past records.

He accused the Nimba County Senator of having a tainted character and being a divisive figure who manipulates people to get what he wants.

President Weah also accused Senator Johnson of being a “blackmailer” who wants to get money from him (Weah) to render support to the Coalition for Democratic Change.

“Do I look like somebody who can kill anyone? Who are you for somebody to assassinate? You manipulate people every day. That’s why nobody want to work with you. Are you infallible? You don’t know what you did in this country?  President Weah asked.

He further added ” Anybody that wanted to vote for us will vote for us. And anybody that is going to ask me for money because they want to declare their support to my party, I rather given the money to the people of Liberia… This government is not going to be tied down or blackmailed by anybody. If you don’t want to work with us step aside.”

Senator Johnson’s political party, the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction Party (MDR), last week accused Weah of allegedly plotting to assassinate Johnson, the party’s founding political leader, an allegation President Weah rebuffed, claiming that Johnson is being haunted by the ghosts of his past during the country’s civil war.

Addressing his congregation Sunday at the much-anticipated Sunday sermon at his Christ Chapel of Faith Ministry, where he preached on the theme The theme: “Do not allow your past to drive your present”, Senator Johnson said that Liberians are still judging from his past, thereby referring to him as a ‘murderer and blackmailer.’

Senator Johnson, however, cautioned Liberians not to dwell in their past especially as Christians because bringing the past into the present could cause the future to be doomed.

 “If God changes someone, the person is freed indeed. The past is sometimes painful but people should allow it go,” the Senator said.

“The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: Old things are gone; behold, all things are become new.

“Do we believe that in Liberia? That is a Christian dominant country. We still look at people’s past. We called people names. murderer, killer, a blackmailer. They call me.”

Senator Johnson boasted, “I am a product of God, a vessel that God is using to proclaim the gospel of saving grace. The gospel which bring me good news but yet Liberians don’t understand.  He’s a murder, he’s fought war, so everybody says he’s killer, murderer and , he killed Doe.”

“These are things of the past, what is Senator, preacher man Prince Johnson doing in new Liberia, since I was ordained in Nigeria many years ago, What have you learned about me that is not in conformity with God’s plan to rebuild war-torn Liberia? ” he asked.

He indicated that over the course of the “new Liberia”, he has built a school that is providing quality education for students and has employed qualified professors in his university. 

Senator Johnson warned Liberian to be mindful and properly assess in order to choose a selfless leader.

“ If you see people like us collaborating and we held our patient and after the collaboration documents expired. To do a new one we have to assess. The assessments of the five years are not so much encouraging for us to sign a new one that why I have been speaking. I am not against the President,” he said.

Throwing Jibes at Chief Cyril Allen

Senator Johnson responding to former National Patriotic Party ( NPP) former Chairman, Chief Cyril Allen, who described the Nimba County Senator as “tribalist”, said that Allen is being driven by the force of confusion.

He accused Allen of the being the strategic force who advised former President Charles Taylor to execute Nimbaians (residents of Nimba County).

According to him, the NPP former Chairman advised the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) leader Charles Taylor to kill and burned Samuel Doekey, Janet Dahn, and their children alive in the n car.

Said Senator Johnson, “Cyril Allen was a driven strategy that advised NPFL to burn alive Jackson F. Doe with the tire.

“If I am driven by tribalism, he was driven by a strategy that advised the NPLF to kill Moses Doepu, an ex-general. He was a man behind the screen with a strategy.”

Adding, “Cyril Allen was driven by a strategy to kill Stephen Yekeson, an astute professor. Yet you say I am a tribalist. Cyril Allen was driven by a strategy that advised the NPFL to grab John Yormie and Isaac Vick, handpicked them took them to Nimba leave them alive, and plug the eyes while they were living and crying.”

Senator Johnson, said Allen who advised Vice President Jewel Taylor’s group of NPP to field a candidate against him,  needs to be “reborn” again.

MONROVIA – A National Executive Committee (NEC) member of the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) Representative Acarous Moses Gray has threatened that the party will attack Senator Prince Y. Johnson if he (Johnson) continues to attack President George Manneh Weah and his government.

By Obediah Johnson, obediah.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

Lawmaker Gray is representing the people of electoral district # 8 in Montserrado County in the 54^th National Legislature.

Senator Johnson was the former rebel leader of the notorious rebel group- Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) that captured, humiliated, tortured and killed ex-Liberian President Samuel Kanyon Doe on September 9, 1990.

He is the Founder and political godfather of the MDR, a party he established barely few months to the conduct of the 2017 general and presidential elections. He accumulated 8% of the votes in the first round.

It can be recalled that Senator Johnson endorsed President Weah for the Nov. 7 run-off vote between the former soccer star and ex-Vice President Joseph Boakai.

But recently, he openly announced that his party had withdrawn its support from the CDC.

He claimed that the party has been marginalized by President Weah and his government, and as such the Standard Bearer of the MDR Senator Jeremiah Koung of Nimba County will contest the presidency come October 2023.

Senator Johnson’s position has prompted war of words between him and the President through the use of the Holy Pulpit.

Currently, he’s serving as the Chairman of the National Governing Council of the MDR.

But speaking when he appeared as guest on OK FM 99.5 on Monday, February 6, Representative Gray stated that the withdrawal of Senator Johnson’s support does not threaten the re-election of President Weah.

According to him, Senator Johnson has “nowhere to go.”

He noted that the pressure being mounted against the Nimba County lawmaker by some executives of the MDR will compel him to surrender politically.

Representative Gray said the high level of works being done by the CDC in Nimba and other parts of the country will also compel Senator Johnson to rethink his decision.

He claimed that vast majority of citizens from Nimba and scores of other executives of the MDR are no longer listening to Senator Johnson.

He threatened that executives and supporters of the CDC would “decisively” respond to any attack from Senator Johnson against the government or President Weah following his latest outburst and assassination allegation against the President and his government.

 “The President has the authority to appoint who he wants to appoint by the constitution of the Republic of Liberia and (Senator) Prince Johnson has to understand that. And I want to be very clear-I don’t care how people feel; If Prince Johnson attacks the government and the presidency, we will also decisively reciprocate in the same manner.”

“We will not allow anyone, including a member of the coalition to undermine the victory of the coalition. Prince Johnson has nowhere to go. Within his own political party, there is a big faction. We will not allow one person who affiliates with the coalition to undermine the victory of the CDC and we are very clear. We been working in Nimba and Prince Johnson is panicking; he has to surrender. People are no longer listening to Prince Johnson like they used to.”

No more making political participation market day

For being paid to play during electioneering period and accepting extra monies for intelligence services rendered to the Liberian government while serving as a sitting lawmaker, Senator Johnson was sometimes ago sanctioned by the United States government.

However, he has denied the allegations.

But Representative Gray maintained that the CDC stands by the position of its Standard Bearer President Weah and would not offer a dime to anyone, including Senator Johnson to support the CDC ahead of the elections.

“The President has sounded a clear message across. We have picked up that mandate long since. We will not pay anyone to support us. America has sanctioned Prince Johnson and he has to go to exonerate himself. We have done lots of developments in Nimba County and we will not allow anyone to reduce political participation to market day.”

Pack your bag and leave

He said claims raised by Senator Johnson and his party that the government is planning to assassinate him, should not be given credence by anyone.

“Prince Johnson is a man that should not be taken serious. Nobody wants to kill Prince Johnson. We don’t have any political prisoner in this country. But one thing we can say to Prince Johnson and everyone, if you want to leave, you can pack your bags and leave. We are very clear about that. We will win Nimba County decisively.”

Representative Gray maintained that Senator Johnson, who will be canvassing to retain his seat, will be dealt with politically if he continues to continues on the current path.

He claimed that most of those who supported Senator Johnson in the past are currently with the CDC, and as such, he (Johnson) should be alerted that his re-election remains uncertain.

Addressing legitimate issues

Speaking further, Representative Gray called for reconciliation among executives and stalwarts of the original three political parties that make up the coalition as part of efforts to ensure a first round victory for President George Manneh Weah in the October 2023 elections.

The CDC comprises of the Congress for Democratic Change, Liberian People Democratic Party (LPDP) and the former ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP).

It can be recalled that prior to the nomination of President George Weah to contest for a second term by supporters and partisans of the CDC on February 4, the Standard Bearer of the LPDP Alex Tyler disassociated his party from the event.

Recently, the Chairman of the NPP Senator James Biney of Maryland County also announced that there is no coalition as evidenced by the expiration of the agreement which brought the three parties together in 2017.

Executives of the two parties have earlier sounded a warning of boycotting the February 4 event and withdraw from the Coalition due to alleged marginalization from the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) of President Weah.

But Representative Gray observed that the current happenings relative to maintaining the coalition remain an issue of major concern.

He said despite the contentions, the relevant authorities of both the LPDP and the NPP affixed their signatures to the nomination documents over the week end.

He disclosed that the Chairman of the LPDP, Charles Gibson of the Ministry of Labor signed the nomination documents, even though his party’s Political Leader, Mr. Tyler earlier disassociated the party from the event.

Representative Gray maintained that it is now time for differing issues and legitimate concerns within the party to be addressed.

 “I don’t think so (that issues within the coalition will threaten our second term bid). I will not use any harsh words on members of the LPDP and the NPP-but, what I can say is that, the legitimate signatures of the coalition signed the documents from the three political institutions.”

Representative Gray observed that there were issues that prevented Mr. Tyler from signing the document.

He maintained that though there are differences within the CDC, those issues pose no threat to the existence of the coalition or the re-election of President Weah.

He justified that the presence of the Standard Bearer of the NPP, who is also the Vice Standard Bearer of the coalition, at the nomination program of President Weah is a clear indication that the NPP remains within the party.

“The Chairman of the LPDP who is now the Labor Minister affixed his signature to that document. That is an endorsement. I will not frown on former Speaker Tyler; maybe there are some legitimate concerns he may have and we will address those concerns. In every revolution, there will be a time where some people will leave or stay; even some people will be recruited and some people will replace them. But we are still open up to holding discussion with everyone having disagreement.”

Investing in education

Meanwhile, Representative Gray has observed that extreme poverty and hardship in Liberia cannot be tackled without investment in education.

He added that though Liberians have been battling poverty for several decades in the country, the availability of the menace under the CDC led-government has been misconstrued by others for political and personal reasons. 

He said as part of efforts to address the situation, the government continues to make interventions, including the passage of a Domestic Violence Bill to protect women and girls in the Liberian society.

“We have to address the elements of poverty. If people are not educated, they cannot redeem themselves from poverty. Poverty is not just eating rice tomorrow morning or bulgur wheat; no. Education is redemption for poverty. This government has provided free tuition to public high schools and universities students to encourage them to go to school and be able to redeem themselves and the country. And so, the elements of poverty are being addressed. There is nothing of extreme poverty than lack of education.”

He maintained that road construction, the provision of housing units and the supply of electricity to additional slum communities are also part of efforts to combat against poverty in Liberia.

Representative Gray emphasized that it is unfortunate for critics of the government to believe that the CDC administration has not done enough to retain the presidency.

He claimed that unprecedented and indelible initiatives, including the construction of roads, hospitals, markets, among others have been undertaken by the current administration to help address some of the constraints confronting Liberians.

He said latest reports accusing the government of failing on its promises made to the Liberian people are exaggerations that should not be accepted.

 “We will not dignify that we didn’t fulfill over 200 promises from someone who is being paid by political opponents; what we are focusing on is the forward match of the country, our re-election and a one round victory.”

The Political Leader of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) Senator Jeremiah Koung has expressed regret over the lack of a proper documentation which sealed the political marriage between his predecessor and kinsman Senator Prince Y. Johnson and President George Manneh Weah during the run-off of the 2017 general and presidential elections.

By Obediah Johnson, obediah.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

Senator Koung was elected as the party’s Standard Bearer in December 2022 at the party second National Convention.

His kinsman Senator Johnson is the Founder and political godfather of the MDR, a party he established barely few months to the conduct of the 2017 general and presidential elections.

It can be recalled that Senator Johnson endorsed President Weah for for the Nov. 7 run-off vote between the former soccer star and ex-Vice President Joseph Boakai.

He was the former rebel leader of the notorious rebel group- Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) which captured, humiliated, tortured and killed ex-Liberian President Samuel Kanyon Doe on September 9, 1990.

Senator Johnson accumulated 8% of the votes in the first round.

But speaking when he appeared as guest on Spoon Talk on Spoon FM 107.5 over the week end, Senator Koung disclosed that following his ascendancy, he was concerned about a proper documentation which prompted the support of the MDR to President Weah by Senator Johnson during the previous general elections.

However, he noted that, Senator Johnson did not provide any documentation.

Senator Koung maintained that the MDR is no longer one of the political parties that is still supporting or aligning with the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) as a result of a pronouncement made by Senator Johnson withdrawing his support from the ruling party.

“Prior to my taking over (as political Leader of the MDR), Senator Prince Johnson, then Political Leader pulled out of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). I was interested in seeing whether there were documents signed that we joined the Coalition, but there was nothing of such.”

“What I was told by the former Political Leader is that, during the second round of the 2017 elections, I remembered that time that there was negotiation to support JNB (Joseph Nyuma Boakai) and to support President Weah. And finally, the Senator took President Weah and I took JNB.”

He disclosed that as a result of his decision taken to support Ambassador Boakai during the run-off, he was not abreast with any details of the agreement Senator Johnson reached with President Weah.

The promises

Quoting Senator Johnson, the MDR Political Leader disclosed that it was agreed between the President and his kinsmen that five Deputy, Assistant ministerial and ambassadorial positions, public corporations, and other positions would be provided the MDR following the election of President Weah.

He said the agreement was reportedly signed by Counselor Charles Gibson (current Minister of Labour) and one Cllr. Zeon Mensah.

“The details of some of the papers they put together, I was not involved because, I was on the other side.”

He maintained that though Senator Johnson claimed that he and President Weah also affixed their signatures to the agreement, he (Koung) is yet to set his eyes on the document.

‘Before I took over, Senator Johnson withdrawn from the CDC already. His support was verbal and his withdrawal was verbal.”

His assertions run contrary to claims made by the party’s embattled Vice Chair for Political and Governmental Affairs Wilfred Bangura that the MDR remains one of the constituent parties that is supporting the re-election of President Weah.

Bangura is currently serving as a Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

He told a news conference last week that the MDR remains deeply rooted within the CDC, adding that, “we are allies and my party worked very hard in 2017 to bring this government to power.”

Contrary to claims made by Senator Johnson that the MDR will not support the CDC and will field a candidate to contest the presidency, Minister Bangura disclosed that the MDR will not field a candidate in the October 2023 elections or subject itself to a Vice Presidential  ticket to any political party in the country.

A mandate to contest presidency

But Senator Koung pointed out that he was elected at the party’s last convention to run for the presidency.

He said despite the mandate from the party, the MDR is holding consultations with other political parties because, the party has established that no one person or political party can win election in Liberia presently without forming a merger or alliance with other politicians or political parties.

“We went to our convention and I was elected as the Political Leader. My party has asked me to contest. Discussions are going on and you can be assured that once those discussions are concluded, I will speak to you in affirmative.”

Senator Koung disclosed that these discussions are centered on ensuring a winnable ticket for the Liberian people in October 2023.

He denied reports that the MDR is holding discussions with the ruling party to return to the Coalition in exchange for financial reward.

He recounted the United States sanctions imposed on his kinsman Senator Johnson for being paid to play during the 2017 elections.

Senator Koung vowed not to follow similar path to avoid being sanctioned by the US government.

He, however, failed to clearly disclose whether or not he has been approached by the opposition Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and the Unity Party (UP) of Mr. Alexander Cummings and Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai to run as running mate to any of them.

“Nobody runs to someone and say ‘please make me your Vice President.’ If you do that to me, I will not even take you. Like I said, discussions are going on and everything is possible. What matters is Liberia and anything that we can do to get this country ok, I will be involved in it.”

Senator Koung disclosed that he has never been approached by the CDC to hold discussion or relinquish his quest or the mandate from his party to contest the presidency.

He said the MDR remains open to hold discussions with all sides, adding that, “we are not enemies and we are not fighting war here.”

Senator Koung, however, appears to be skeptical on whether or not he will contest the presidency on the ticket of the MDR.

His comments do not favor a call from his Political Leader emeritus Senator Prince Y. Johnson that the MDR will contest the presidency and form a merger with opposition political parties to unseat President Weah

Last week, he told the Voice of America last week that he has terminated an agreement he signed to support President Weah. He attributed his decision to the failure of President Weah and his government to benefit citizens of Nimba County since he ascended to the Liberian presidency.

Senator Johnson further disclosed that he is holding talks with other opposition political parties for collaboration.

 “What we expected in the past is not what we see on the ground, we had believed that being the World Best, European Best, African Best, all the best, with his election, he would have attracted investors to Liberia to create jobs and alleviate the suffering on our people through their investments, but since his election, the world has abandoned us in the sense that no investors are coming. And what we are doing in the country is just ratifying loan agreements and you cannot build the country based on loans,” Sen. Johnson said.

Sen. Johnson claimed that a delegation from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) comprising the former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Nathaniel McGill, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dee-Maxwell Kemayah, Maritime Commissioner, Lenn Eugene Nagbe and the Minister of Finance, Samuel Tweah, paid him a visit to request him to reconsider his decision but, according to him, he turned them down.

The Nimba County Senator, however, said while his party, the Movement for Democratic Reconstruction (MDR) has opted to put a candidate in the presidential race, he also acknowledges that one political party cannot win election in Liberia.

“We are open to all parties, we’re working with the Unity Party, we’re working with ANC, we’re working with the newly certificated party, EFCC, all the parties on the ground, we’re working with them. One party cannot win elections without the other,” he said.

As for Senator Koung, he has been consistently calling for a merger or collaboration of opposition political parties to unseat President Weah.

MDR not divided

Speaking further, Senator Koung stated that despite the latest outburst from the party’s Vice Chair for Political and Governmental Affairs Wilfred Bangura, the MDR is not divided as being speculated in the public.

He observed that “when things get tough and because of jobs and other things, people will say what they can say, but the party is together and we are strong.”

He maintained that as the elections draw nearer, the party is not perturbed by defections.

“Since my election, there are lots of people that have joined the people and a lot of others are expressing interest. Some people will leave and it is normal in politics. To be a leader of a political party in Liberia is a challenging one; too many thoughts-some people coming to lie to bring different story about somebody.”

Senator Koung emphasized that he remains fully prepared to face challenges and others within the MDR ahead of the elections.

Senator Johnson and his political leader Senator Koung’s decision for the MDR to contest the presidency or support a particular political party would gamble the votes of citizens of Nimba if steps are not taken to avoid the reoccurrence of the 2017 “fiasco’ agreement.

Already, executives of the party are complaining that President Weah did not live up to his commitments which compelled Senator Johnson to support him during the run-off.

MONROVIA – The Vice Chairman for Political and Governmental Affairs of the Movement for Democratic Reconstruction (MDR) Wilfred Bangura has taken issues with the party’s Founder and Standard Bearer Senators Prince Y. Johnson and Jeremiah Koung for unilaterally nullifying the party’s support to President George Manneh Weah in the pending 2023 general and presidential elections in Liberia.

By Obediah Johnson, obediah.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

Mr. Bangura previously served as the founding Secretary General and acting Chairman of the MDR. He took the party to a convention that replaces Senator Johnson as Standard Bearer with Senator Jeremiah Koung of Nimba Countyin December 2022.

Senator Johnson is the Founder and political godfather of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), a party he established barely few months to the conduct of the 2017 general and presidential elections.

Last week, he told the Voice of America last week that he has terminated an agreement he signed to support President Weah. He attributed his decision to the failure of President Weah and his government to benefit citizens of Nimba County since he ascended to the Liberian presidency.

Senator Johnson further disclosed that he is holding talks with other opposition political parties for collaboration.

 “What we expected in the past is not what we see on the ground, we had believed that being the World Best, European Best, African Best, all the best, with his election, he would have attracted investors to Liberia to create jobs and alleviate the suffering on our people through their investments, but since his election, the world has abandoned us in the sense that no investors are coming. And what we are doing in the country is just ratifying loan agreements and you cannot build the country based on loans,” Sen. Johnson said.

Sen. Johnson claimed that a delegation from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) comprising the former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Nathaniel McGill, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dee-Maxwell Kemayah, Maritime Commissioner, Lenn Eugene Nagbe and the Minister of Finance, Samuel Tweah, paid him a visit to request him to reconsider his decision but, according to him, he turned them down.

The Nimba County Senator, however, said while his party, the Movement for Democratic Reconstruction (MDR) has opted to put a candidate in the presidential race, he also acknowledges that one political party cannot win election in Liberia.

“We are open to all parties, we’re working with the Unity Party, we’re working with ANC, we’re working with the newly certificated party, EFCC, all the parties on the ground, we’re working with them. One party cannot win elections without the other,” he said.

As for Senator Koung, he has been consistently calling for a merger or collaboration of opposition political parties to unseat President Weah.

But addressing a news conference in Congo Town on Monday, January 23, Minister Bangura pointed out that the MDR was never founded to “nurse” the selfish interest of anyone or group of people.

According to him, the party was established to represent the interest of the Liberian people.

He observed that despite its true intent, executives and partisans of the party have been alarmed, concerned and perturbed with media reports on the negative developments within the party less than two months following the ascendancy of Senator Koung to the Standard Bearer position in recent times.

Minister Bangura stated that these reports displayed criticisms of the “most demeaning kind” from both the Founder and Standard Bearer of the MDR, Senators Johnson and Koung against the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led-government that they helped to bring to power.

He pointed out that the two executives have been “showboating” of ending ties with the CDC, without holding any consultation with members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

“We join the arena of politics being fully cognizant that our moral upbringing and religious foundation will have the final saying in reality. And I must confess that that moment is upon us now. I had the honor of my life to have served my party as the founding National Secretary General, Acting Chairman and I’m one of the five incorporators of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction. I am one of the owners and fore bearers of the MDR.”

“Being thus grounded in the political philosophy of the MDR, it has fallen upon me as my most sacred duty to salvage the MDR from the hands of political demagoguery and mercenaries. The MDR was never founded to nurse the parochial and chauvinistic interests of anyone; it was established to represent the overarching interest of the Liberian people.”

Standing with Weah

Minister Bangura emphasized that despite the showboating of the two men, he and other executives and members of the MDR remain supportive to retaining President Weah in October  2023.

“I stand with the President to ensure his re-election as President of the Republic of Liberia and I will do everything legally, morally and politically possible to ensure that the President is reelected with a decisive mandate in this year’s elections so that he can continue working on the Liberian project.”

He maintained that the MDR is fully on board and would work assiduously towards the re-election of President Weah.

Minister Bangura emphasized that the MDR remains deeply rooted within the CDC, adding that, “we are allies and my party worked very hard in 2017 to bring this government to power.”

He recalled that Senator Johnson sometimes ago was willing to ensure that President Weah goes for a third term, but wondered why he has summersaulted in recent times.

He said any call or action to prevent President Weah from achieving his second term mandate is unacceptable.

Not fielding a candidate

Contrary to claims made by the two Nimba County Senators that the party will contest the presidential elections, Minister Bangura disclosed that the MDR will not field a candidate in the October 2023 elections.

According to him, the party will also not subject itself to a Vice Presidential  ticket to any political party in the country.

 “We will be very strategic going forward with the opinion and effort of rebranding, repositioning and remaking our party in preparing it adequately for future elections and not this one (2023).”

He emphasized that the MDR is not fully prepared and ready to field a presidential candidate and as such, the party must keep focus on retaining President Weah for the presidency, by vigorously campaigning ahead of the elections.

He stated that Senator Koung is also fully aware that the party is unready to put forth a candidate for the presidency.

PYJ Aware?

Minister Bangura claimed that Senator Johnson, who founded the MDR, has been duly informed about his position on the matter.

He noted that though he does not have evidence to establish whether or not Senator Johnson was engaged into “pay-to-play” as claimed by the United States government, or is contemplating on doing so ahead of the elections, his decision taken to speak on the matter is due to various calls, actions and inactions in the political landscape of the country.

Minister Bangura claimed that Senator Johnson has alluded that his decision was “a good idea.”

He further disclosed that the party’s Standard Bearer Senator Koung was not briefed on his position.

“I have taken a side and I informed Senator Johnson yesterday that I will support the President and I will support his re-election as Senator as well. He’s aware of this position; I discussed it with him and many of the National Executive Committee members. We have to state clearly where we stand and this is where I stand. And he (Senator Johnson) respects my position a lot; and I hope that he will join us and the President will be elected with a big mandate.”

““I am speaking in the sentiment of majority of the people who will not come to your microphones to speak. Though I work for the government, I believe as well as many in our party believe that the government has done well thus far. I know that eventually, we will all support the re-election of the President.”

He stressed that the relationship between the CDC and the MDR remain strong.

He maintained that it is “highly unlikely” that the MDR will not support the CDC during the elections.

Prepare for consequences

It seems that Minister Bangura would be penalized for going contrary to comments made by Senators Johnson and Koung against the marriage of the MDR with the CDC.

However, he appears not to be perturbed of any action or punishment.

“I believe in the philosophy of Martin King that “there comes a time when silence mean betrayal. I honestly believe that I’m doing the right thing and I’m prepared for the consequences of this decision. But I am also confident that this is where my party is going to come eventually.”

MONROVIA — With ten months to the October presidential elections, it appears Senator Prince Y. Johnson has set into another pay-for-play scheme, and at the same time, threatening the incumbent President George Weah with the withdrawal of the county’s support in an attempt to have him succumb to his demands.

The United States-sanctioned Nimba County Senator has said that he is ending his political marriage with President Weah because the president failed to provide jobs for Nimbaians  (residents of the county) in exchange for support for Weah’s 2017 Presidential bid.

Johnson’s announcement that he will not support Weah in the October 2023 election comes as some Nimba County residents are preparing to announce their support for President Weah later this month.

“Let me clearly state that the agreement I signed with the president has come to an end, Johnson said.

Johnson urges the president to cancel his trip until he can settle his obligations to the county. “The people of Nimba worked hard to elect President Weah, but he has ignored them”, the senator said.

“The citizens of Nimba have for the  past five years been knocking at my door for the President to appoint them,” Johnson said. “I have used all diplomatic means and have consistently engaged this CDC led government, but nothing is working.’’

Last year, the United States sanctioned warlord-turned senator for alleged corruption under the Global Magnitsky Act. The act authorizes the United States government to sanction individuals it views as human rights offenders, freeze their assets, and ban them from entering the country.

The U.S. government accuses Senator Johnson  of being involved in  pay-for-play funding scheme with government ministries and agencies  for personal enrichment and offering the sale of votes in multiple Liberian elections in exchange for money.

Under the scheme, the government ministries and agencies involved in the scheme launder a portion of the money. The scheme involves millions of dollars, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy. 

The U.S. government said Johnson  receives an undeserved salary from the Liberian government  to provide intelligence crucial to maintaining domestic stability. 

“Johnson has also offered the sale of votes in multiple Liberian elections in exchange for money,” according to the U.S. government statement.

Johnson denounced the sanctions, telling the media that the allegations against him are “vague”, not fail to provide facts of his involvement in corruption. 

The senator said he is waiting for a more detailed explanation. He  challenged the U.S. government to provide  details about which specific administrations in Liberia had paid him corrupt fees.

“What we want is the facts,” said Johnson. “You can accuse people, but the evidence is what is important. Coming from Uncle Sam’s website — obviously the most powerful nation on earth whose footprint we follow democratically — so you don’t just destroy people’s name by accusing them without facts.”

In 2017, Weah promised to appoint Nimba citizens to top ministerial posts, managing directors and ambassador positions. The government is in its sixth year has failed to live up to his promise. In the last six years, only 2 persons from Nimba has held ministerial post.

Senator Johnson  called President Weah a “Promise breaker.’’ He said the Liberian leader only appointed his people from the southeast, ignoring the vote-rich Nimba County.

A recognition stunt – Nimbians

Senator Johnson’s move is, however, being condemned by many ordinary Nimbaians in the county, who say the ex-Liberian warlord’s moves are often for self-benefit and not the benefit of the entire county.

“The only major development Sen. Johnson can boast of in this county is his university which he built in his own name,” Prince Dolo, a resident of Ganta City told FPA.

Solomon Duakpah, a resident of Gompa, told FrontPage Africa, Senator Johnson is renowned for using his involvement in the civil war to threaten Nimbians to direct their directions during electioneering periods, cautioning his kinsmen to wise up ahead of the October presidential election.

“It’s time we (Nimbians) shun Senator Johnson and make an independent decision, not to fall prey to his decisions in October. We have rewarded him as a county for his role played in defending our county during the civil war by voting him twice as a senator and supporting candidates he has asked us to support in previous elections but he hasn’t rewarded us as a county.”

Saye Barlea, another native of Nimba County, said the Senator’s announcement calling for residents of the county to shun the pending petitioning program of the president is “late on arrival” as they (residents) are resolved to endorse President Weah. “We have understood Senator Johnson ‘s political gimmick and won’t cave into this any longer. We are prepared to endorse the president, and there is nothing that will stall this. Gone are the days Nimbians rely on Senator Johnson for political direction. Our overwhelming turnout will send a clear message to Senator Johnson ahead of the October presidential election.”

Senator Johnson’s leverage in Nimba is rooted in his days as a warlord, who claims to have fought for the protection of the people of Nimba.

He presided over the gruesome torture and killing of then President Samuel Doe. Doe’s ears were sliced off and he was left to bleed to death. A home video captures Johnson in fatigues, swigging Budweiser beer as he orders Doe’s torture.

Monrovia – Senator Prince Y. Johnson has stressed that the political marriage between the Coalition for Democratic Change and the people of Nimba has come to an end after President George Weah failed to appoint sons and daughters from the county to top positions in government.

Senator Johnson contested during the 2017 General and Presidential. However, in the heat of the run-off Election, Senator Johnson declared support for the CDC-led government after he failed to qualify for the run-off.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh

The support from Senator Johnson caused the people of Nimba County to overwhelmingly vote for President Weah something that caused the victory for the CDC.

In a release, Senator Johnson said Nimbanians in November 2017 signed an agreement with the Congress For Democratic Change to give the party their political support.

According to him, in the agreement, the people of Nimba County should hold top Ministerial posts, Managing Directors and some ambassadorial positions, and other top positions through his recommendations.

“Since the CDC lead government came to power in 2018, we are yet to see sons and daughters from our beloved Nimba County in those top senior positions we agreed upon and signed a document as evidence,” he said.

“The citizens of Nimba have for the past five years been knocking at my door for the president to appoint them, and we have used all diplomatic means and have consistently engaged this CDC-led government, but nothing is working to get redress and make our people who struggled during the campaign period happy,” the release stated.

It added: “Once again my fellow citizens of Nimba and supporters in Liberia and around the World, we like to take this time to inform you that the agreement we signed with the CDC has come to an end.”

He added that his stance is in the interest of the people of  Nimba and all partisans of the MDR Political Party.

“We are now constrained to make this pronouncement that we are “HALTING OUR POLITICAL SUPPORT” to the Coalition,” the release stated.

It added: “As a former general in the army, we believe in agreement and don’t like to betray what we have agreed upon, so we ask you to remain calm until we can later inform you about where to go.”